In a notable effort to defuse tensions and encourage collaboration between the world’s two largest economies, China’s ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, reaffirmed China’s commitment to being a partner and friend to the U.S. Speaking at an event in Hong Kong on Friday, Xie delivered an optimistic yet pragmatic message emphasizing mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation.
Addressing Chinese officials and the U.S. ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, Xie sought to bridge the growing divide in Sino-American relations by underscoring the importance of working together on common challenges and opportunities.
“China has no plan to surpass or replace the United States,” Xie declared, aiming to dispel persistent narratives that Beijing seeks global hegemony at Washington’s expense. His remarks reflect a broader effort by Chinese officials to tone down rhetoric and highlight areas of mutual interest amidst escalating geopolitical competition.
Xie emphasized that the Sino-U.S. relationship is not a zero-sum game, pointing out the tremendous potential for collaboration in fields such as:
- Trade and investment, where both nations have deeply intertwined economies.
- Agriculture, ensuring food security and innovation in sustainable farming.
- Energy, particularly in clean and renewable resources to combat climate change.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies, where cooperation could establish ethical and technical standards.
- Public health, a pressing issue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These areas, Xie suggested, offer fertile ground for cooperation that can benefit not just the two nations, but the world at large.
Xie’s speech also touched on the reality of bilateral tensions. “China and the United States have concerns for each side,” he said, advocating for open and frank communication to address differences. His call for dialogue on an “equal footing” reflects Beijing’s insistence on a partnership rooted in mutual respect, rather than one dictated by unilateral demands.
- Trade imbalances and tariffs, which have strained economic relations since the U.S.-China trade war began in 2018.
- Technology access and intellectual property concerns, as competition over critical technologies like semiconductors intensifies.
- Human rights and governance issues, often a flashpoint in discussions over Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
- Military tensions, particularly in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
While Xie avoided delving into specifics, his comments come amid a flurry of high-level interactions, signaling a possible thaw in relations.
The presence of U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns at the event was a symbolic gesture of the Biden administration’s willingness to maintain dialogue despite ongoing challenges. Though Burns did not publicly respond during the event, the Biden administration has recently sent several senior officials to Beijing, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. These visits highlight a shared interest in stabilizing ties.
Key U.S. concerns include ensuring that China adheres to fair trade practices, reducing risks in critical supply chains, and addressing security concerns over sensitive technologies. However, Washington has also reiterated its commitment to avoiding direct confrontation and pursuing “healthy competition.”
Despite these overtures, significant challenges remain. Deep-seated mistrust has grown over the years, fueled by:
- Economic Rivalry: The United States has implemented measures to curb China’s access to advanced technologies, citing national security concerns. China has responded by accelerating its push for technological self-reliance.
- Geopolitical Tensions: From the South China Sea to Taiwan, military posturing and alliances have amplified the risk of conflict. The U.S. recently strengthened its partnerships with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, moves seen by Beijing as efforts to contain China.
- Diverging Ideologies: Human rights and governance issues remain a contentious area, with the U.S. frequently criticizing China’s policies in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. China, in turn, rejects what it perceives as interference in its domestic affairs.
- Negative perceptions of China in the U.S., and vice versa, further complicate diplomatic efforts. Polls suggest that majorities in both countries view the other as a competitor or adversary.
- Shared Opportunities: A Case for Optimism
Despite these hurdles, Xie’s remarks underscore the benefits of focusing on areas of shared interest. For instance: - Trade and Economic Growth
China remains one of the U.S.’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade totaling over $600 billion annually. Stabilizing this relationship is vital for both economies, especially in a time of global economic uncertainty. - Climate Change
As the world’s two largest carbon emitters, the U.S. and China play a crucial role in combating climate change. Collaborative efforts, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, have demonstrated the impact of joint leadership in this area. - Health Security
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of global health collaboration. By pooling resources and expertise, the two nations could bolster preparedness for future pandemics. - Innovation and AI Ethics
In the rapidly evolving AI sector, joint leadership could set global standards for ethical use and development, mitigating risks while unlocking new opportunities.
The U.S.-China relationship is pivotal not only for the two nations but for global stability. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have ripple effects on international markets, regional security, and multilateral institutions.
Analysts note that the current moment represents a critical juncture for U.S.-China relations. Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund, said, “Both sides recognize the need to prevent the relationship from spiraling out of control, but the path to stability will require concrete actions and mutual concessions.”
Similarly, Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University, argued that focusing on shared interests rather than ideological divides could pave the way for a “new type of major-power relationship.”
